Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin

Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin
written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

2011 Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor Book

Elementary

Charlie and his cousin (primo), Carlitos, exchange letters and learn about each others' lives.  Although Charlie lives in America and Carlitos lives in Mexico, they discover that their lives are similar in many ways. 

Students reading this book will relate to the activities that Charlie and Carlitos discuss in their letters.  They will also appreciate the engaging illustrations.  Tonatiuh emphasizes some part of each illustration with a unique textured appearance.  Pages that illustrate Carlitos' letters also include labels of Spanish words.  This will be a learning experience for English speakers and will help define these new words.  For those who need further explanation, there is a glossary in the back of the book.

Ballet for Martha

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring
by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
illustrated by Brian Floca


2011 Sibert Honor Book

Elementary

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring explains how the ballet, Appalachian Spring, was created.  Many artists came together to combine their talents and produce this unique performance.  Martha Graham, a dancer, Aaron Copland, a musician, and Isamu Noguchi, an artist were the key figures in the process.  Appalachian Spring was performed for the first time in 1944 and has since become an American favorite.

This informative book not only teaches how great works of art come about, it also leads readers to discover the beauty of different art forms and the magic that can happen when they all come together.  The bibliography and notes are evidence that this book was a product of extensive research.

Below is a You Tube Video created by RoyalDukeJam. Enjoy Aaron Copeland's Appalachian Spring.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDRWdNn_nLk

Dave the Potter, Artist, Poet, Slave

Dave the Potter, Artist, Poet, Slave
by Laban Carrick Hill
Illustrated by Bryan Collier

2011 Caldecott Honor Book

Elementary



Dave had a special eye for seeing what things could become and an artist's touch that brought his visions to reality.  With no formal training, Dave's talents were remarkable.  Dave's life was restricted by the fact that he was a slave, but he is remembered as a potter, artist, and poet.

This book tells a beautiful story of a man whose freedom of expression was not stiffled by his physical bondage.  Laban Carrick Hill uses expressive language to tell Dave's story, and this book is another form of art.  Bryan Collier's illustrations take the reader far beyond the written words.  His water color collage images take the reader back to South Carolina in the 1800s.  The middle page of the book folds out to reveal Dave's hands shaping clay in various stages.  The book also offers historical background and photographs of Dave's pottery as well as an extensive bibliography and useful web sites.

Turtle in Paradise

Turtle in Paradise
by Jennifer L. Holm

2011 Newbery Honor Book
2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet Book

Tween

 

Turtle is an 11 year old girl growing up during the depression.  Turtle and her single mom often struggle to get by.  Turtle is sent to live with family when her mother's live-in housekeeping job does not allow children.  Turtle arrives in Key West and is immediately surrounded by family members she has never met before and lots of adventure.  Archie, one of Turtle's mother's boyfriends tells Turtle that everyone has a dream.  Turtle thinks all of her dreams have finally come true, and maybe they have, just not at all like she had planned.

This is such an enjoyable book.  It is no wonder that it is a 2011 Newbery Honor book.  Jennifer Holm did a marvelous job of developing these unique characters.  Despite their quirky nicknames, they were such a likable group.  The plot was fast moving and unpredictable with plenty of twists and turns along the way.  In my opinion, the prevalent theme was one of the strongest points of the book.  "Don't take what you have for granted, it may be exactly what you have been searching for all along."  Historical details are well woven into the book, it was educational without feeling forced at all.  The author's notes at the end of the book are quite informative as well.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

A Sick Day for Amos McGee
by Philip Stead
illustrated by Erin Stead

2011 Caldecott Book

Elementary

A Sick Day for Amos McGee tells the story of a dedicated zoo keeper who faithfully cares for the animals he considers friends.  When Amos is sick and unable to come to work one day, the animals pay him a visit and repay his kindness.

Erin Stead uses a woodblock printing technique and soft pencil sketches to illustrate this book.  The illustrations may seem understated at first glance, but after a close examination, they are filled with details that help share Amos' story.  Color is effectively used to express the gentle nature of the story and to highlight certain features on each page.

The following link is an interview with award winning illustrator Erin Stead.

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/01/14/caldecott-winner-erin-e-stead-on-a-sick-day-for-amos-mcgee/

Fiesta Babies

Fiesta Babies

2011 Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor Book

Elementary




FIESTA BABIES is a book that will introduce young readers to Mexican culture and vocabulary.  Babies are shown spending time in town and enjoying Mexican food, music, dancing, and family.

The award winning illustrations accurately depict the importance of families and celebrations to the Mexican culture. Young readers will be drawn to the babies and to the vivid colors.  Each page introduces a new Spanish word.  The glossary in the back of the book defines each word in simple terms.

                        Wordle created by Eileen Corbett  http://www.wordle.net/

Goal!

Goal! by Mina Javaherbin
illustrated by A. G. Ford

2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet List

Elementary


Soccer or "football" is a sport enjoyed all over the world.  When Ajani earns a new federation-size ball for being the best reader in his class, he and his friends are eager to play.  In the South African town where they live, the streets are not always safe, and they must have a look out to watch for trouble.  When bullies show up and interrupt the game, Anjani must think fast in order to save his prized ball.

Javaherbin does a good job of developing an interesting plot for elementary readers.  Children will also appreciate the topics of friendship, enjoying a good game, and bullies.  Children all over the world have to deal with bullies, and this book would be an excellent way to start a conversation about bullies.